Facebook Mpumalanga Region

Sthembile Mkhatshwa, Troop Scouter of the 1st Hluvukani Scout Group in Mpumalanga, recently celebrated an important personal milestone, graduating from the University of South Africa (UNISA) with a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting. He reflects on how being of service to others helped him succeed in life too.

“I joined Scouting in 2021, and since then it has played a significant role in my personal growth while also allowing me to give back to young people in my community,” explains Sthembile. “While completing my studies, I served as a volunteer leader in Scouting and worked as a supervisor at Conservation South Africa. Balancing these responsibilities has not always been easy, but Scouting has helped me stay focused every step of the way.

One of the greatest lessons Scouting has taught me is how to balance different parts of my life. I learned how to manage my education, career, leadership responsibilities and personal life effectively. Being in the Movement has taught me discipline, responsibility, leadership and teamwork. These skills and values helped me grow into a responsible and well-rounded individual,” he says.

“Today, I continue to serve as an Adult Leader because I want to give back to the young people in my community, I want to make a good impact in Scouting and my village. I am a mentor for most of the Scouts in my village. I love seeing them grow through Scouting and succeed with their studies. Being a Troop Leader has encouraged me to go beyond my limitations, challenge myself and make a positive impact in the lives of children. Through leadership and service, I strive to inspire, guide and empower others to reach their full potential.

I believe Scouting gives young people far more than outdoor adventures. It equips us with practical life skills that help us succeed at school, at work and in life. It helps children and youth with their education by developing practical life skills that complement what they learn in school. Scouting also encourages discipline, time management and goal setting, which helps us stay focused on our studies and achieve our academic goals,” he continues confidently.

“Looking back on my journey, I realise that Scouting has shaped not only what I have achieved, but also the kind of person I have become. I have learned to be the change I want to see and to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I have learned that true success comes from uplifting and empowering those around us. For me, service is not something I do occasionally—it is a way of life. Every opportunity to mentor a young person, support my community or help someone grow reminds me why I chose to become a volunteer leader.

I hope my journey encourages other young people to embrace Scouting, pursue their education and use what they learn to make a positive difference wherever they are. When we choose to serve others, we don’t just strengthen our communities—we discover our own potential too.”